Facial injuries are by their very nature emotionally stressful as well as physically painful. Patients are not only struggling with healing from the injury itself, but they’re often confronted with diminished functioning for essential activities like chewing and talking. These concerns are compounded with fears and concerns about appearance and scarring, which can have real implications for patients’ work situations, personal relationships, and general comfort as they move about in public. Facial injuries require the intervention of an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon as soon after the injury occurs as possible. Timely intervention can expedite the healing process, minimize suffering and long-term side effects, and ensure that the right treatment protocols are in place from the beginning. The reality of facial injuries Facial injuries occur every day around the country. According to one recent study highlighted in Emergency Medical Services World, nasal fractures are the most common type of facial fracture and 85% of these are caused by car accidents, physical fights, and unintentional falls. Zygomatic bone fractions are the second most common, and most often happen to men in their 20s. Men are usually at a higher risk of this type of trauma due to intoxication, risk taking behaviors, and a lower occurrence of using seatbelts when in a motor vehicle. Conversely, women are more likely to suffer fractures of the orbital and zygomatic bones due to assault and collisions. Regardless of what type of facial injury that a patient is suffering or the cause, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) should be on the medical treatment team. An OMS has extensive experience with emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation. Types of facial injuries an OMS treats As part of their extensive medical training, an OMS receives a wide range of experience treating all facial injuries. In fact, any injury to the face, head, neck, and jaw can be treated by an OMS. Common conditions that patients visit an OMS for include facial and intra oral lacerations; fractures of the cheek, eye, jaw, and other facial bones; jaw damage; and teeth that have been knocked out (which is also sometimes referred to as avulsed teeth). Whether you’re receiving emergency treatment or need ongoing support for a past injury, an OMS offers the best chance that patients have for a full recovery. What to expect when visiting an OMS Many patients are under the misconception that an oral surgeon only focuses on issues such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and jawbone surgery in connection with oral health. But their training is extensive. In fact, most oral surgeons have completed dental school or medical school and then complete an additional number of years of training. OMS training includes anesthesiology. During an initial appointment, an OMS will review a patient’s medical history, conduct an in-depth physical exam, take advanced imaging to understand what’s happening at a bone and tissue level, and collaboratively consult with other doctors on the team. Facial injuries are a serious matter. But patients with the right medical teams stand the best chance of making a full recovery. Contact a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in your area to arrange for a consultation and make sure you’re on the road to recovery from any facial injury that you sustain.
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